A list of the best YA books ever, from Malorie Blackman's Noughts & Crosses to Melvin Burgess' Junk

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Reading lists

The 10 greatest YA books ever written

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

Mildred D.Taylor's much-loved classic, for readers aged 12+, Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry follows a feisty African-American girl - Cassie Logan - as she grows up in Mississippi during the Great Depression and learns the shocking realities of racism. Perfect for fans of The Help, Malorie Blackman and To Kill a Mockingbird . 
 
'Look out there, Cassie girl, all that belongs to you.' 
 
Cassie finds it difficult to understand why the farm means so much to her father. But, as she witnesses the hatred and destruction all around her, she begins to learn the importance of standing up for your rights. 
 
The powerful and moving story of growing up during the American Depression. 
 
Mildred D. Taylor was born is Jackson, Mississippi and is the author of several young adult novels which tackle issues of race, including: the iconic Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry, Let the Circle Be Unbroken and The Land.

Mildred D. Taylor was born in Mississippi and grew up in Ohio. She worked in Ethiopia with the Peace Corps before enrolling at the School of Journalism at the University of Colorado, where she helped develop a Black Studies programme. She is best-known for her Newbery Medal winner, ROLL OF THUNDER, HEAR MY CRY. Mildred D. Taylor still lives in Colorado.

The Mississippi of the 1930s was a hard place for a black child to grow up in, but still Cassie didn't understand why farming his own land meant so much to her father. During that year, though, when the night riders were carrying hatred and destruction among her people, she learned about the great differences that divided them, and when it was worth fighting for a principle even if it brought even worse hardships.

Let the Circle be Unbroken

A sequel to the universally acclaimed Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, continuing in the story of the Logan family in Mississippi during the Depression. The children, especially Cassie, are happy in their warm, stable family but outside is a climate of fear and tension. Their friend T.J. goes on trial for murder and stands before an all-white jury. Cousin Suzella tries to pass for white, with humiliating consequences. And when Cassie's neighbour stands up for her right to vote she and her cousin are driven from their home. Cassie is realising what it means to grow up black and powerless, but her family stand together, proving that courage, love and understanding can defy even the deepest prejudices.

Mildred Taylor

Ngadi Smart

"Possibly the most heart-rending story I have ever read, Roll of Thunder brought tears of both laughter and sorrow to my eyes."

"This classic, compelling story is as important and relevant today as when it was first published."

There are things you can't back down on, things you gotta take a stand on. But it's up to you to decide what them things are. 
Cassie Logan can't understand why her father is so proud of his land and farming his own crops. Her family refuses to sell their fields to a local man despite persistent pressure to do so, but for her parents the land is a symbol of sanctuary. 
 
Over the course of a year, Cassie must learn about standing up for what's right and picking your battles whilst she and her family navigate racism in its various forms; from the 'night riders' that terrorise her community, to the everyday prejudice that permeates life in 1930s Mississippi. 
 
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is a powerful story of family, self-respect and strength, set against the turbulent backdrop of the Jim Crow South.

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A series of children's modern classic novels by renowned 20th century children's writers. All the titles in this series have the A Puffin Book logo, contemporary-style covers, and child-friendly endnotes.

Mildred Taylor

Praise for Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

"Possibly the most heart-rending story I have ever read, Roll of Thunder brought tears of both laughter and sorrow to my eyes."

"This classic, compelling story is as important and relevant today as when it was first published."

Books by Mildred Taylor

Series by Mildred Taylor

A Puffin Book118 Books

Rebel Voices: Puffin Classics International Women’s Day Collection6 Books

Articles featuring Mildred Taylor

The 10 greatest YA books ever written

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